© Photo by Chris Gomersall/2020VISION Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus A common wader, the Oystercatcher is very noisy with a loud ‘peep-ing’ call. On the coast, they specialise in eating shellfish, particularly cockles and muscles, which they either prise or hammer open with their strong, flattened bills. © Photo by Ian Rose Originally a coastal species, oystercatchers have moved further inland over the last 50 years to breed on waterways and lakes. Most UK birds still spend their winters by the sea, however, and are joined by birds from Norway and Iceland. How to Identify Unmistakeable: black and white with a long, red bill and pinky-red legs. Where to Find Widespread around the coast and also nest inland on gravel pits and large rivers. How People Can Help Although Oystercatchers are relatively common birds, they rely on shellfish stocks. In some areas they use populations of cockles which makes them vulnerable if cockle beds are over-exploited by man. To ensure that we keep the populations of Oystercatchers and other waders healthy, it is important that our marine environment is managed properly. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of ‘Living Seas’, where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK’s marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust. Did you know? There are twelve species of Oystercatcher in the world, all of which look very similar, being either black and white or plain black, with a red bill and pinky legs. One further species of Oystercatcher became extinct in the 20th century and some of those still surviving are now endangered or threatened. Key FactsLength: 40-45cmWingspan: 83cmWeight: 540gAverage lifespan: 12 years Donate Donate to help support Oystercatchers and other wildlife. Donate Similar Species Barn Owl Birds Black-Headed Gull Birds Blackbird Birds Blackcap Birds Blue Tit Birds Bullfinch Birds Buzzard Birds Canada Goose Birds Carrion Crow Birds Chaffinch Birds Chiffchaff Birds Coal Tit Birds Collared Dove Birds Coot Birds Crossbill Birds Cuckoo Birds Curlew Birds Dipper Birds Dunnock Birds Fieldfare Birds Goldcrest Birds Golden Plover Birds Goldfinch Birds Goosander Birds Great Crested Grebe Birds Great Spotted Woodpecker Birds Great Tit Birds Greenfinch Birds Grey Heron Birds Grey Wagtail Birds Hen Harrier Birds Herring Gull Birds Hobby Birds House Martin Birds House Sparrow Birds Jackdaw Birds Jay Birds Kestrel Birds Kingfisher Birds Lapwing Birds Lesser Redpoll Birds Linnet Birds Little Egret Birds Little Grebe Birds Little Owl Birds Little Ringed Plover Birds Long-Eared Owl Birds Long-Tailed Tit Birds Magpie Birds Mallard Birds Mandarin Duck Birds Marsh Harrier Birds Meadow Pipit Birds Merlin Birds Mistle Thrush Birds Moorhen Birds Nightjar Birds Nuthatch Birds Osprey Birds Peregrine falcon Birds Pied Wagtail Birds Raven Birds Red Grouse Birds Red Kite Birds Redstart Birds Redwing Birds Reed Bunting Birds Reed Warbler Birds Ringed Plover Birds Robin Birds Rock Pipit Birds Rook Birds Sedge Warbler Birds Short-Eared Owl Birds Siskin Birds Skylark Birds Snipe Birds Song Thrush Birds Sparrowhawk Birds Spotted Flycatcher Birds Starling Birds Stonechat Birds Swallow Birds Swift Birds Tawny owl Birds Teal Birds Tree Sparrow Birds Treecreeper Birds Tufted Duck Birds Water Rail Birds Waxwing Birds Wheatear Birds Whimbrel Birds Whinchat Birds Whitethroat Birds Wigeon Birds Willow Warbler Birds Wood Pigeon Birds Wood Warbler Birds Woodcock Birds Wren Birds Yellow Wagtail Birds Yellowhammer Birds